desquamation /des′kwəmā″shən/ [L, desquamare, to take off scales] , a normal process in which the cornified layer of the epidermis is sloughed in fine scales. Certain conditions, injuries, and medications accelerate desquamation and may cause peeling and the loss of deeper layers of the skin. Also called exfoliation. −desquamative, adj., −desquamate, v.
